A UAE-born cycling wear brand has launched its first range of sustainable cycling apparel made from recycled plastic.
Empty Roads uses certified Italian fabrics made from recycled polyester, with each jersey recycling the equivalent of 11 plastic water bottles for its production.
The manufacturing process employs 100 percent renewable energy and a water-efficient processes while all the packaging uses recycled and recyclable materials.
The owner and founder of Empty Roads, Damian Lyons, said: “The region’s commitment to further developing the cycling infrastructure, and the continuing growth of the cycling community across the UAE is fantastic for riders of all ability and styles and mirrors the passion we have for the sport.”
He said the vast majority of cyclists are aware of the environmental challenges the world faces and are understandably proud of the eco-friendly credentials of cycling.
“However, most of the cycling apparel on the market, and in use right now, is made from virgin polyesters which are essentially new plastic-based fibres. Without change, the popularity of our sport will fuel an increase in plastic production to fuel the demand for these polyesters.”
The jerseys made from plastic bottles is just the start, and Empty Roads is committed to developing more sustainable solutions from design and materials, through production to end of use.
“We believe that recycling and repurposing already existing plastics to create our clothing is a significant step in the right direction. The fabrics we use perform, look and feel exactly the same as virgin polyester-based kit, so there is little reason not to make this change right now.”
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